Auburn's 3D Printed Laryngoscope: A Game-Changer for ASEAN Veterinary Training

Auburn's 3D Printed Laryngoscope: A Game-Changer for ASEAN Veterinary Training \\[LF]In a groundbreaking development, a team from Auburn University has created a 3D printed, camera-equipped laryngoscope that could transform the way veterinary students in Southeast Asia learn to intubate large animals. This innovative tool, which costs around $150 to produce, addresses a significant gap in veterinary education by providing real-time visual feedback during the intubation process. \\[LF]The project, a collaboration between Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, was born out of a practical need in the classroom. Veterinary technician Katie Ray, who has guided countless students through their first large-animal intubations, recognized the potential of video laryngoscopes to improve visibility and learning. However, no such device existed for ruminants. Ray and her colleague, Dr. Nassim Bouhabib, initially used a borescope camera attached to a phone to film intubations, but they soon realized the need for a more integrated solution. \\[LF]Enter the engineering students. Will Jones and Cooper Rice, working in the Mechanical Polymer Additive Manufacturing (ME3D) Laboratory, took on the challenge of designing and building a custom laryngoscope. The result is a device that features a lever-controlled camera, a large display screen, and an adjustable blade, all at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives. \\[LF]For ASEAN countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where veterinary education and animal healthcare are rapidly evolving, this innovation could be a game-changer. Many veterinary schools in these regions face budget constraints and limited access to high-quality training tools. The 3D printed laryngoscope offers a cost-effective solution that can be easily replicated and customized to meet local needs. \\[LF]Moreover, the open-source nature of the project means that other institutions can build and modify the device, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits the entire veterinary community. This approach aligns with a broader trend in medical and veterinary education, where in-house, purpose-built solutions are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to expensive commercial products. \\[LF]For factory buyers in ASEAN, the implications are clear. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals grows, investing in affordable, high-quality training tools like the 3D printed laryngoscope can help ensure that the next generation of veterinarians is well-prepared to meet the region's animal healthcare needs. By supporting such innovations, factories can contribute to the development of a robust and sustainable veterinary workforce, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the communities they serve.